Bodegas Ondarre Mayor de Ondarre DOCa Rioja - A Classic Rioja Experience

Producer Overview: Bodegas Ondarre

Bodegas Ondarre, nestled in the historic village of Viana in the heart of Rioja, Spain, stands as a beacon of tradition and quality. Founded in 1985 by the Limousin Ucin family, the estate is renowned for wines that capture the distinct personality of Viana and its diverse terroir. The estate practices sustainable farming, with vineyards composed of old, low-yielding vines situated on varying elevations. This setting, characterized by its diverse soil composition and climate, provides the ideal microclimate for cultivating Tempranillo and Mazuelo grapes, the primary varieties in Mayor de Ondarre.

The Wine: Mayor de Ondarre DOCa Rioja

This flagship wine showcases the highest quality designation in Spanish wine law: DOCa Rioja. It is a red wine from the Reserva category, predominantly featuring Tempranillo grapes, complemented by Mazuelo for structure and complexity. The vineyards benefit from a mix of Atlantic and Mediterranean influences, with cool nights and warm days facilitating an even ripening process. These factors contribute to the wine’s layered complexity, elegance, and robust nature.

Winemaking and Aging

The winemaking process incorporates state-of-the-art techniques and traditional methods. Grapes are hand-harvested and fermented separately at controlled temperatures to retain their aromatic qualities. A blend of American and French oak casks provides 16 to 20 months of maturation, followed by 20 months of bottle aging. Multiple rackings during barrel aging help clarify the wine, culminating in a smooth, structured finish that highlights the interplay of fruit and oak.

Tasting Notes

Mayor de Ondarre presents a deep ruby appearance with garnet reflections, signaling both youth and maturity. On the nose, it reveals ripe red and black fruits like cherry and plum, intertwined with vanilla, leather, and spice imparted by oak maturation. Its full-bodied palate unfolds layers of ripe fruit flavors, enhanced by subtle balsamic notes. A smooth texture with integrated tannins leads to a lingering, complex finish that balances fruit and oak.

Food Pairings

The wine’s robust structure pairs impeccably with rich and savory dishes such as grilled lamb, beef steak, venison, aged cheeses, and hearty stews. Its acidity complements fatty foods, while the aromatic complexity enhances the depth of savory and umami flavors.

Serving Recommendations

Serve Mayor de Ondarre between 16–18°C to accentuate its full bouquet. Decant for 30-60 minutes, especially younger vintages, to allow the wine to open fully. A large, tulip-shaped glass will help concentrate its aromas.

Cellaring Potential

With its impressive balance of flavors and structure, Mayor de Ondarre can be aged gracefully for 8-15 years, revealing deeper flavors and tertiary notes of leather and tobacco over time.